Bala Shark - Balantiocheilus melanoptrus

Species name: Balantiocheilus melanoptrus

Synonym: Barbus melanopterus; Puntius melanopterus

Common names: Bala shark, silver shark

Family: Cyprinidae

Order: Cypriniformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 33 cm / 13 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Southeast Asia

Temperament: Peaceful

Company: Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) can be kept with other non aggressive species.

Water parameters: temperature 22-28°C / 72-82° F; pH 6.0 - 8.0

Aquarium setup: Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) grows very large and adult specimens should not be kept unless you have a very large aquarium. Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) spend a lot of its time searching for food in the bottom substrate and a fine grained sandy bottom substrate is therefore to be preferred. Sharp aquarium décor should be avoided since this species have a tendency to hurt itself. The aquarium should be decorated with a lot of free areas to swim on and dense planted areas along the sides. Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) requires high levels of oxygen in the water and an air pump is beneficial. They are schooling fish and should only be kept in groups.

Feeding: Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) accepts most foods and might eat some aquarium plants

Breeding: Balantiocheilus melanoptrus (Bala shark) has not been bred in captivity without the aid of hormone injections.

Picture of Bale shark - Balantiocheilos melanopterus. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Balantiocheilos melanopterus - Bale shark picture. Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

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